Paying Tribute to a veteran hip-hop artiste (R.I.P Nate Dogg)

Nate Dogg was born in Long Beach, California. He was a friend and partner to veteran rappers like Snoop Dogg, Warren G, RBX, Daz Dillinger and was the cousin of Butch Cassidy and Lil' ½ Dead. He began singing as a child in the New Hope Baptist Church in Long Beach and Life Line Baptist Church in Clarksdale, Mississippi where his father (Daniel Lee Hale) was a pastor. At the age of 16, he dropped out of high school in Long Beach, California and left home to join the United States Marine Corps, serving for three years. In 1991, Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg and their friend Warren G, formed a rap trio called 213. 213 recorded their first demo in the back of the famed V.I.P record store in Long Beach, the demo was later heard by Dr. Dre at a house party and he was instantly hooked on the soulful voice of Nate Dogg.

On December 19, 2007, he suffered a stroke, according to a coordinator for his recently formed gospel choir, Innate Praise. Reports had circulated that Nate Dogg had been admitted to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center in Pomona, California after suffering a heart attack. Erica Beckwith, however, confirmed to MTV News that Nate Dogg was released on December 26 after being treated for a stroke and is currently in a medical-rehab facility to assist him in his recovery. On January 18, 2008, it was officially reported that the stroke had rendered the left side of his body paralyzed. Doctors believe there will be a full recovery, and his voice was not affected. In September 2008, Nate suffered a second stroke and today is still recovering in a long term care facility. Warren G later confirmed that Nate did in fact suffer two strokes and is currently undergoing physical therapy to get back to how he was. It was unclear at the time if he would be able to continue his singing career. Nate Dogg died March 15, 2011 in Long Beach, CA as confirmed by The Press Telegram

Personally, I will miss his songs, The veteran hip-hop artiste was an embodiment of singing talent that was underrated, The prodigal Son - NATE DOGG is gone, RIP to a true Rap Legend, Area Code, 213,I Like That, 21 questions with 50cent among others.

You will truly be missed.